Valve tester suspension assembly

ABSTRACT

A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to suspension assemblies and moreparticularly pertains to a new valve tester suspension assembly forallowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test theunderground valves.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of suspension assemblies is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat.No. 6,155,359 describes a vehicle mounted post hole digger. Another typeof suspension assemblies is U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,002 and U.S. Pat. No.5,540,006 each disclose a hydraulically operated digging arm attached toa vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,249 discloses a counterbalancingmechanism for a constant force or load. U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,130discloses a trenching apparatus pivotally mounted to a tractor. U.S.Pat. No. 5,746,404 discloses a wire and pulley internal springcounterbalancing mechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,005 discloses anarticulated arm for supporting a camera from the cargo rack of anall-terrain vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,858 discloses a reversibleportable hoist lacking means for vertically aligning the hook of thedevice with a desired point on a supporting surface without moving thevehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,779 discloses an auxiliary hydraulic powerunit of the type that would be used in association with the presentinvention.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives andrequirements, the need remains for a device that can assist insupporting the weight of a rotating assembly used to test undergroundvalves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the needs presented above by providing anarticulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. Thearticulated arm is biased such that the biasing assists in supportingthe weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of thearticulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning ofthe rotating device in a horizontal orientation at a desired positionwithin a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which thearticulated arm is attached.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a newvalve tester suspension assembly that converts a multiple person job toa job that can be done by a single worker.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a newvalve tester suspension assembly that increases the efficiency oftesting underground valves by making it unnecessary to preciselyposition a vehicle holding the required rotational device used in thetesting.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new valvetester suspension assembly that not only converts a two person job intoa one person job, but reduces the physical requirements for the oneperson, thus reducing the potential for injury or accidents.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additionalfeatures of the invention that will be described hereinafter and whichwill form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the invention, along with the various features of noveltywhich characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity inthe claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof. Such description makes referenceto the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a new valve tester suspension assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention in an extended inuse position.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention in an extended positionresting on a ground surface.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rotating device of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the rotating device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the articulatedarm of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a locking means of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a medial portion of the articulated armof the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate locking means for thearticulated arm assembly.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the present invention in a retracted position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through12 thereof, a new valve tester suspension assembly embodying theprinciples and concepts of the present invention and generallydesignated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 12, the valve tester suspensionassembly 10 generally comprises an articulated arm assembly 20 designedfor coupling to a vehicle 2. A hydraulically powered rotating assembly30 is pivotally coupled to the arm assembly 20 such that the rotatingassembly 30 is positionable in a substantially horizontal orientation ata selectable position in a three dimensional space adjacent the vehicle2. A shaft 12 is provided having a first end 13 operationally couplableto the rotating assembly 30 for rotating the shaft 12. Typically, theshaft has a receiving portion having a geometric cross-sectional shapefor receiving a protrusion 32 rotated by the rotating assembly 30. Anadapter 28 is attachable to the protrusion 32 to permit exercising offire hydrant valves. Alternately, the protrusion may include a geometriccross-sectional receiver portion for engaging fire hydrant valves andthe shaft may be shaped to engage the receiver portion of theprotrusion.

The arm assembly includes a first arm portion 22 designed for couplingto the vehicle 2 by means such as a hitch on the vehicle. For thepurposes of this application, the term vehicle is specifically intendedto include any device or structure for transporting persons or thingsthereby including direct connection to a trailer supporting a hydraulicpower source. The arm assembly further includes a second arm portion 24pivotally and rotatably coupled to a distal end 23 of the first armportion 22. The arm assembly 20 includes a third arm portion 26pivotally coupled to a distal portion 25 of the second arm portion 24.

In an embodiment, a first biasing assembly 40 is coupled between thefirst arm portion 22 and the second arm portion 24. A second biasingassembly 42 is coupled between the second arm portion 24 and the thirdarm portion 26. A third biasing assembly 44 is coupled between the thirdarm portion 26 and the rotating assembly 30.

To achieve the pivotal and rotatable coupling between the first andsecond arm portions, the first arm portion has a pivoting connectionportion 16. The second arm portion is pivotally coupled to theconnection portion 16. Connection portion 16 further includes anextension portion 79 that extends back adjacent to a main portion 15 offirst arm portion 22 when the main portion 15 and the connection portion16 are positioned in alignment with each other. Biasing means 40 iscoupled to the extension portion 79 such that biasing means 40 pivotswith second arm portion 24 when connection portion 16 pivots.

Hydraulic supply line assemblies 50 are coupled to the arm assembly 20for providing hydraulic power to the rotating assembly 30. Eachhydraulic line assembly includes a first fixed portion 52 coupled to thesecond arm portion 24. Each hydraulic line assembly 50 further includesa second fixed portion 54 coupled to the third arm portion 26. Eachhydraulic line assembly 50 includes a flexible portion 56 coupling thefirst fixed portion 52 to the second fixed portion 54. A protectivecovering 69 is coupled to the flexible portion 56 of each hydraulic lineassembly 50. Each second fixed portion 54 is operationally coupled to arespective one of an input and an output on the rotating assembly suchthat each of the hydraulic line assemblies forms either an inlet line oran outlet line. The connectors, as shown in FIG. 7, are differentiatedto insure the inlet line and the outlet line are not reversed whenconnecting the invention to an auxiliary hydraulic power unit.

In the biased embodiment, the first biasing assembly 40 is a pair offirst biasing assembly spring members 41 and the second biasing assembly42 is a pair of second biasing assembly spring members 43. Each of thesecond pair of second biasing assembly spring members 43 is coupledbetween a distal end 60 of an extension portion 62 of the second armportion 24 and a medial portion 64 of the third arm portion 26.Extension portion 62 may be a separate piece attached to second armportion 24 or may be an integral extension of second arm portion 24. Thethird biasing assembly 44 is a single third biasing assembly springmember 45.

To enhance the safety of the biased embodiment in the event ofcatastrophic failure of a spring member, each spring member of thefirst, second and third biasing assemblies has a respective elastic coremember 66 extending through the spring member.

A hydraulic control mechanism 68 is coupled to the rotating assembly 30for facilitating user operation of the rotating assembly 30.Corresponding to the currently used practice for testing undergroundvalves, a counter 38 is coupled to a display flange 77 of the rotatingassembly 30 for counting rotations of the shaft 12. Additionally, atorque indicator gauge 78 is operationally coupled to the rotatingassembly to indicate torque on the rotating assembly. This provides anew method of testing alternative to counting rotations of the shaft. Atorque adjustment means 75 is operationally coupled to the rotatingassembly for adjusting the amount of torque applied by the rotatingassembly 30 to prevent overstressing of the valve assembly beingexercised.

A first locking means 70 is provided for locking the second arm portion24 from rotating relative to the first arm portion 22. A second lockingmeans 76 is provided for locking the second arm portion 24 from pivotingrelative to the first arm portion 22.

The first locking means 70 is a pin 72 insertable through the first armportion 22 and the connection portion 16 in spaced relationship to arotational pivot point 21 of the connection portion 16. Thus, theconnection portion 16 is held in position by pin 72.

The second locking means 76 includes a pair of aligned holed flanges 74in the connection portion 16 of the first arm portion 22. The second armportion 24 includes a locking aperture 17 alignable with holes 18 in theflanges 74. A locking pin 19 is insertable through the aligned holes 18and aperture 17 whereby the second arm 24 is prevented from pivotingrelative to the connection portion 16 of the first arm portion 22.Additionally, in an embodiment, the second locking means 76 may be alocking bar 27 extending from the second arm portion 24 for engaging alatch member 28 fixedly coupled to the first arm portion 22 as shown inFIG. 11. The locking bar and latch member may be used alone for securingthe arm assembly during relatively short trips between valve sites or incombination with the locking pin 19 and aligned holes 18 for maximumstability as desired. The invention may include either one of the abovedescribed locking structures or both in combination as each providesunique advantages.

Optionally, an extension member 14 is couplable between the articulatedarm assembly 20 and the vehicle 2 for spacing the second arm portion 24from the vehicle 2 to permit free movement of the second arm portion 24when a tailgate of the vehicle is in an open position.

A plurality of handles 58 are coupled to the rotating assembly 30 forfacilitating grasping and movement of the rotating assembly 30. Thehandles 58 are being arranged to form two opposing handle pairs 59. Thehandle pairs 59 are substantially aligned with respect to each other.

In an embodiment, the rotating assembly 30 is coupled to the articulatedarm assembly such that the rotating assembly is pivotable around ahorizontal axis to permit positioning of the rotating assembly 30 in adesired position to engage valves that are not in perfect horizontalalignment such that the shaft is in a non-vertical position when engagedto the valve. The coupling of the rotating assembly 30 is achieved byhaving a post 35 extend from the rotating portion. A rotating assemblyconnection member 33 includes a bearing portion 36 secured to the post35 and a pair of limiting bars 37 that extend out from the rotatingassembly connection member 33 to contact the rotating assembly to limitthe pivoting range of the rotating assembly around the horizontal axis.

In use, the articulated arm assembly is coupled to a vehicle using aconventional hitch mounted anywhere on the vehicle including the frontor back. The vehicle can be driven to a position adjacent an access portin the road that gives access to an underground valve. The inventionpermits positioning of the vehicle anywhere within a range of the accessport so that the vehicle does not have to be moved to precisely alignthe rotating device with the access port. Typically, the valve beingtested is positioned a distance beneath the road, often 4 to six feet. Ashaft, which may have an adjustable length either by being telescopic orhaving a one or more extension pieces, is engaged to the valve. Thearticulated arm is unlocked to permit free movement of the arm by asingle person. The rotating device, typically a heavy hydraulicallypowered device, is then grasped and may be positioned by a singleperson.

When the biasing assemblies are used the weight of the rotating deviceis partially supported by the biasing in the articulated arm.Adjustments to the amount of support can be achieved through the use ofmultiple interchangeable springs or other known methods of varying theresistance of a biasing member.

The pivoting of the articulated arm permits movement of the rotatingdevice within a three dimensional space while holding the rotatingdevice in the necessary substantially horizontal orientation. Additionalpivoting of the rotating device is provided to facilitate attachment ofthe rotating device to shafts when the shaft is slightly off verticalorientation as may happen when the valve is in a slightly tiltedposition. The rotating device can be positioned immediately over theshaft and then lowered to engage the shaft. The rotating device remainsin engagement with the shaft by the residual weight of the rotatingdevice not supported by the articulated arm or the user. The user mayalso push downwardly on the rotating device during use if desired orotherwise deemed necessary.

Typically, the testing is done by loosening and re-tightening a numberof rotations. In an embodiment, a counter is used to count the number ofrotations to facilitate the current testing methods. Alternately, torquemeasurement style testing is now facilitated by the present invention ifthe invention is equipped for measuring or responding to pre-determinedtorque conditions during rotation. Upon completion of the testing, therotating device is disengaged from the shaft and the articulated armreturned to a storage or retracted position and then locked into placeto permit safe movement of the vehicle to the next testing place. Thisnew method provides a significant increase in efficiency allowing manymore valves to be tested in a given amount of time.

Through use of the adapter described above or through integral shapingof the protrusion of the rotating device, the rotating device may alsobe engaged to fire hydrant valves as desired.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention. Further, unlessparticular features are mutually exclusive, all of the variouscombinations of the features are intended to be encompassed by theinvention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A valve tester suspension assembly comprising: an articulated armassembly adapted for coupling to a vehicle; a rotating assembly coupledto said arm assembly to pivot around a substantially horizontal axissuch that said rotating assembly is positionable in a substantiallyhorizontal orientation at a selectable position in a three dimensionalspace adjacent the vehicle; and a shaft having a first end operationallycouplable to said rotating assembly for rotating said shaft; a torqueadjustment means operationally coupled to said rotating assembly forpermitting adjustment of a torque exerted by said rotating assembly toturn said shaft; said arm assembly including a first arm portion forcoupling to the vehicle; said arm assembly including a second armportion pivotally coupled to said first arm portion; said arm assemblyincluding a third arm portion pivotally coupled to a distal portion ofsaid second arm portion; a first biasing assembly coupled between saidsecond arm portion and said third arm portion; and a biasing assemblycoupled between said third arm portion and said rotating assembly; saidsecond biasing assembly comprising at least one spring member.
 2. Avalve tester suspension assembly comprising: an articulated arm assemblyadapted for coupling to a vehicle; a rotating assembly coupled to saidarm assembly to pivot around a substantially horizontal axis such thatsaid rotating assembly is positionable in a substantially horizontalorientation at a selectable position in a three dimensional spaceadjacent the vehicle; and a shaft having a first end operationallycouplable to said rotating assembly for rotating said shaft; a torqueadjustment means operationally coupled to said rotating assembly forpermitting adjustment of a torque exerted by said rotating assembly toturn said shaft; said arm assembly including a first arm portion adaptedfor coupling to the vehicle; said arm assembly including a second armportion pivotally and rotatably coupled to said first arm portion; afirst biasing assembly coupled between said first arm portion and saidsecond arm portion; said arm assembly including a third arm portionpivotally coupled to a distal portion of said second arm portion; asecond biasing assembly coupled between said second arm portion and saidthird arm portion; and a third biasing assembly coupled between saidthird arm portion and said rotating assembly; said second biasingassembly comprising a pair of second biasing assembly spring members;each of said second pair of second biasing assembly spring members beingcoupled between a distal end of an extension portion of said second armportion and a medial portion of said third arm portion.
 3. The valvetester suspension assembly comprising: an articulated arm assemblyadapted for coupling to a vehicle; a rotating assembly coupled to saidarm assembly to pivot around a substantially horizontal axis such thatsaid rotating assembly is positionable in a substantially horizontalorientation at a selectable position in a three dimensional spaceadjacent the vehicle; and a shaft having a first end operationallycouplable to said rotating assembly for rotating said shaft; a torqueadjustment means operationally coupled to said rotating assembly forpermitting adjustment of a torque exerted by said rotating assembly toturn said shaft; said arm assembly including a first arm portion adaptedfor coupling to the vehicle; said arm assembly including a second armportion pivotally coupled to said first arm portion; a first biasingassembly coupled between said first arm portion and said second armportion; said arm assembly including a third arm portion pivotallycoupled to a distal portion of said second arm portion; a second biasingassembly coupled between said second arm portion and said third armportion; and a third biasing assembly coupled between said third armportion and said rotating assembly; said third biasing assemblycomprising a spring member.
 4. A valve tester suspension assemblycomprising: an articulated arm assembly adapted for coupling to avehicle; a rotating assembly coupled to said arm assembly to pivotaround a substantially horizontal axis such that said rotating assemblyis positionable in a substantially horizontal orientation at aselectable position in a three dimensional space adjacent the vehicle;and a shaft having a first end operationally couplable to said rotatingassembly for rotating said shaft; said arm assembly including a firstarm portion adapted for coupling to the vehicle; said arm assemblyincluding a second arm portion pivotally coupled to said first armportion; a first locking means for locking a second arm portion fromrotating relative to a first arm portion; and a second locking means forlocking said second arm portion from pivoting relative to said first armportion.
 5. The valve tester suspension assembly of claim 4, furthercomprising: said first locking means comprising a pin insertable throughsaid first arm portion and a connection portion of said first armportion to which said second arm portion is coupled, said pin beinginsertable in spaced relationship to a rotational pivot point of saidconnection portion whereby said connection portion is held in a staticposition relative to said main portion of said first arm portion by saidpin.
 6. The valve tester suspension assembly of claim 4, furthercomprising: said first arm portion having a pair of aligned holedflanges; said second arm having a locking aperture alignable with holesin said flanged; and a locking pin insertable through said aligned holesand aperture whereby said second arm is prevented from pivoting relativeto said first arm portion.
 7. A valve tester suspension assemblycomprising: an articulated arm assembly adapted for coupling to avehicle; a rotating assembly coupled to said arm assembly to pivotaround a substantially horizontal axis such that said rotating assemblyis positionable in a substantially horizontal orientation at aselectable position in a three dimensional space adjacent the vehicle;and a shaft having a first end operationally couplable to said rotatingassembly for rotating said shaft; a torque adjustment meansoperationally coupled to said rotating assembly for permittingadjustment of a torque exerted by said rotating assembly to turn saidshaft; said arm assembly including a first arm portion adapted forcoupling to the vehicle, said first arm portion having a main portionand a connection portion pivotally coupled to said main portion; saidarm assembly including a second arm portion pivotally coupled to saidconnection portion of said first arm portion; said connection portionincluding an extension portion extending back adjacent to said mainportion of said first arm portion when said main portion and saidconnection portion are positioned in alignment with each other; and afirst biasing assembly coupled between said extension portion of saidconnection portion and said second arm portion.
 8. A valve testersuspension assembly comprising: an articulated arm assembly adapted forcoupling to a vehicle; a rotating assembly coupled to said arm assemblyto pivot around a substantially horizontal axis such that said rotatingassembly is positionable in a substantially horizontal orientation at aselectable position in a three dimensional space adjacent the vehicle;and a shaft having a first end operationally couplable to said rotatingassembly for rotating said shaft; said rotating assembly being coupledto said articulated arm assembly such that said rotating assembly ispivotable around a second horizontal axis to permit alignment of saidrotating assembly with said shaft when said shaft is in a non-verticalposition; said rotating assembly including a post extending from saidrotating assembly; a rotating assembly connection member having abearing portion secured to said post to permit pivoting of said rotatingassembly around said second horizontal axis.
 9. A valve testersuspension assembly comprising: an articulated arm assembly adapted forcoupling to a vehicle; a rotating assembly coupled to said arm assemblyto pivot around a substantially horizontal axis such that said rotatingassembly is positionable in a substantially horizontal orientation at aselectable position in a three dimensional space adjacent the vehicle;and a shaft having a first end operationally couplable to said rotatingassembly for rotating said shaft; said rotating assembly being coupledto said articulated arm assembly such that said rotating assembly ispivotable around a second horizontal axis to permit alignment of saidrotating assembly with said shaft when said shaft is in a non-verticalposition; wherein said second horizontal axis is orthogonal to saidfirst horizontal axis.
 10. The valve tester suspension assembly of claim8, further comprising: said rotating assembly connection memberincluding a pair of limiting bars extending from said rotating assemblyconnection member, said limiting bars being positioned for contactingsaid rotating assembly to limit a range of pivoting by said rotatingassembly around said second horizontal axis.
 11. A valve testersuspension assembly comprising: an articulated arm assembly adapted forcoupling to a vehicle; a rotating assembly coupled to said arm assemblyto pivot around a substantially horizontal axis such that said rotatingassembly is positionable in a substantially horizontal orientation at aselectable position in a three dimensional space adjacent the vehicle;and a shaft having a first end operationally couplable to said rotatingassembly for rotating said shaft; a torque adjustment meansoperationally coupled to said rotating assembly for permittingadjustment of a torque exerted by said rotating assembly to turn saidshaft; said rotating assembly including a protrusion, said protrusionbeing adapted for operationally coupling to a fire hydrant valve forpermitting testing of the fire hydrant valve.
 12. The valve testersuspension assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising a torqueindicator operationally coupled to said rotating assembly for indicatinga torque exerted by said rotating assembly to turn said shaft.